Wintertime is the best time for bald eagle watching in Nebraska
Once rare, bald eagles have become more common in Nebraska owing to federal protections. They are a magnificent species, a favorite among nature lovers, and winter is definitely the best time to observe them. During the winter, eagles follow the waterfowl migration south and frequently winter at reservoirs, natural lakes and along the rivers of the Chicken Dance Trail. It is not uncommon to find dozens of them in areas where waterfowl are concentrated, as they have hopes of dining on duck or goose flesh during the cold winter months.
There are many locations throughout southwest Nebraska where they can be seen during the winter months. They may occur anywhere along our rivers including the North Platte, South Platte, Platte and Republican, but they tend to concentrate around reservoirs where ducks and geese are wintering.
Sutherland Reservoir in southwest Lincoln County is a great location to see these birds in good numbers. Other reservoirs, including Lake McConaughy (Keith County), Enders Reservoir (Chase County), Swanson Reservoir (Hitchcock County), Red Willow and Medicine Creek Reservoirs (Frontier County), Jeffrey Lake and Maloney Reservoir (Lincoln County) and Harlan County Reservoir (Harlan County) are all good bets for bald eagles this time of year.
Pay attention along the roads as well. Eagles are commonly seen from I-80 and should be spotted along highway 34 in southwest Nebraska. Golden eagles are also a possibility in this area as well during the winter months, though they typically stay out in open country in grasslands and croplands.
Before you know it, spring will return and the majority of these majestic beauties will head north to nest. So get out to the nearest reservoir and take a look. You may be surprised at how many bald eagles you’ll see.
— T.J. Walker
Wildlife Biologist, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, North Platte
Don't forget to post your sightings
A new feature of the Chicken Dance Trail Web site is an interactive bulletin board where birders can post their sightings...and if you’re lucky enough to get a digital photo of the bird in question, you can add those, too.
Posting your sightings is a great way to help others enjoy your sport, and it’s easy to do Just go to www.chickendancetrail.com and click on the Bulletin Board button, or use the links to the site in this email. Then just follow the simple instructions to post your sighting and upload your pictures.
About the Chicken Dance Trail
Not exactly a trail as you might say, the Chicken Dance Trail is actually a collection of great bird watching locations in southwest and south central Nebraska, between the Platte and Republican Rivers.
Because the area includes the narrowest section of the hourglass-shaped Central Flyway, the Chicken Dance Trail is uniquely situated for birders. Millions of different birds come through here during spring and fall migrations, making the Chicken Dance Trail one of the best places in the country to see a wide variety of species in a relatively small area.
Our bird watching sites were developed by local naturalists and birding experts and are collected into a series of bird watching “adventures” which are described in detail, along with interactive maps, on our Web site at www.chickendancetrail.com. Other resources include a birding chart, useful birding links, and guides to restaurants, lodging and activities in the area.
Come and visit and learn why we say, “Birds love this part of Nebraska...and you will too!”
Special Thanks to:
Nebraska Game and Parks, Birds of Nebraska
www.ngpc.state.ne.us/wildlife/guides/birds/findbirds.asp